Freelance SEO for Businesses: What to Look for in an SEO Freelancer?

Are you struggling to make your website rank higher on Google? You’re not alone. Many small business owners feel overwhelmed by SEO—it’s complex, time-consuming, and full of jargon. Some hire expensive agencies and don’t see the results they’re paying for. Others turn to freelancers, only to end up with someone who doesn’t deliver on their promises.

But here’s the thing: SEO doesn’t have to be frustrating. With the right freelance SEO professional, you can boost your rankings, drive more traffic, and grow your business—without breaking the bank. This guide will show you exactly what to look for in a freelancer to ensure you get the results you deserve.

I want to help you find a freelancer who gets real results. In this guide, I’ll share what skills and traits to look for, and the red flags to avoid. Let’s make sure your investment pays off.

Why Freelance SEO is on the Rise

Let’s cut to the chase: Freelance SEO is booming because businesses need agility. Agencies are great, but they’re pricey and often juggle too many clients. Freelancers, on the other hand, focus on specialized areas and can tailor their approach. Plus, they’re cheaper—a lot cheaper.

According to Glassdoor, the average SEO agency charges $100–$150 per hour, while freelancers often charge $30–$70 per hour. That’s a huge difference for small businesses.

But the SEO world is a jungle. There are rockstars who can double your traffic and shady operators who’ll stuff keywords and tank your rankings. So how do you avoid the latter?

Your website’s rankings are slipping, and traffic just isn’t where it should be. Meanwhile, your competitors are grabbing all the leads you’re missing. It’s a frustrating place to be, isn’t it? The good news: the right freelance SEO expert can change all that. They’ll dig deep into your site, fix what’s broken, and build a strategy that helps your business thrive—but only if you choose wisely.

Proven Experience Matters—Don’t Fall for the Fluff

SEO is not a “learn in 30 days” gig. A good freelancer will have years of experience and results to show. Ask for case studies or data-backed proof. Did they help a local bakery rank for “gluten-free cupcakes” in a competitive market? Can they show growth in organic traffic, say from 5,000 to 20,000 visitors in six months? If they can’t back their claims, keep looking.

Beware of freelancers who promise overnight results. SEO takes time. Google’s algorithm updates like “Helpful Content” (2022) and “Core Web Vitals” (2021) reward consistent effort, not quick fixes.

Instant results often mean black-hat techniques that will get your site penalized.

Do They Understand Your Business?

SEO isn’t a cookie-cutter service. A freelancer who takes the time to understand your industry is gold. If you’re a florist, SEO freelancers’ strategy should look different than if you’re a SaaS startup. Specificity matters. They should ask questions like:

• What’s your target audience?
• Who are your competitors?
• What are your business goals in the next 12 months?

The best freelancers will dig deep. They’ll know that local SEO strategies for “flower delivery in Austin” won’t work for e-commerce keywords like “buy wedding bouquets online.”

Technical SEO

I’ll be straightforward.

If freelancers don’t know technical SEO, they’re not worth your time. Period. Technical SEO ensures your site is crawlable, fast, and secure—the basics Google expects. Here’s what they should cover:

• Site Speed: If your website takes more than 3 seconds to load, 53% of users will bounce (Google study).
• Mobile Optimization: Over 60% of searches happen on mobile devices. Your site must shine on a small screen.
• Structured Data: Schema markup helps Google understand your content. It’s essential for local businesses.
• HTTPS Security: No SSL certificate? You’re already losing trust and rankings.
• HTML Basics: A great SEO freelancer should understand HTML. They need to know how to structure headings (H1, H2), add alt text to images, and use meta tags effectively. These details might seem minor, but they’re the foundation of an SEO-friendly website.

Ask them how they’d fix common issues like slow load times or crawl errors. If they fumble, move on.

Content Strategy

Content is king, but strategy is queen. A great freelancer knows how to find the right keywords and create content that ranks. This goes beyond “write a blog post.” They should:

• Research long-tail keywords like “best vegan dog food 2024” that drive intent.
• Craft content that answers real user queries.
• Optimize for Google’s E-E-A-T standards (Experience, Expertise, Authority, and Trust).

If they’re suggesting fluff pieces or content without clear purpose, it’s a red flag. Google’s algorithms now prioritize value over volume.

Analytics & Data

SEO without data is like driving blindfolded. Your freelancer must know tools like:

• Google Analytics: For traffic and behavior insights. For businesses in the EU or dealing with GDPR compliance, tools like Matomo or Plausible Analytics are excellent alternatives. These platforms ensure data privacy while offering deep insights into visitor behavior.
• Search Console: To track indexing and performance.
• Screaming Frog: For detailed audits. Other essential tools include Semrush, Ahrefs, and Moz. These platforms provide insights into backlinks, keyword rankings, and competitor strategies, making them invaluable for building a robust SEO plan.

Ask them for sample reports. A good freelancer won’t just throw vanity metrics at you. They’ll highlight actionable insights like “bounce rate dropped 10%” or “organic traffic grew 25% last quarter.”

Communication

You’re busy running your business. The last thing you need is a freelancer who disappears for weeks. Look for someone who’s responsive and proactive. They should:

• Update you regularly on progress.
• Be clear about setbacks and challenges.
• Explain strategies in plain English—no jargon.

Great communication builds trust, and trust leads to better results.

Beware of Black-Hat SEO

This industry has its fair share of scammers. Stay away from anyone promising to buy backlinks, spam keywords, or use automated tools to boost rankings. These tactics violate Google’s guidelines and can get your site penalized.

Instead, hire someone who practices ethical, white-hat SEO. This means creating high-quality content, building genuine links, and following Google’s rules.

Pricing: The Real Value of SEO

Good SEO isn’t cheap, but it’s worth it.

Basic freelancers typically charge $30–$70 per hour, while top-tier experts might ask for $100–$150. Be wary of rock-bottom prices. SEO requires skill and time. Paying $500 for “full SEO services” is a waste if it leads to bad practices.

That said, expensive doesn’t always mean better. Ask for a clear breakdown of deliverables. What will you get for your money? A solid freelancer will be upfront about pricing and value.

Need Help with SEO?

Feeling overwhelmed by the world of SEO? You’re not alone—it’s a lot to manage, especially when running a business. That’s where I come in. With years of experience in SEO, I’ve helped businesses like yours improve rankings, drive traffic, and achieve their goals without the stress.

Whether it’s technical SEO, content strategy, or analytics, I’m here to simplify the process and deliver real results. Let’s chat about how I can help your business thrive. Contact me today, and let’s start building your success story.

Final Thoughts

Hiring a freelance SEO professional could be your smartest move this year. But it’s not just about finding someone—it’s about finding the right someone. Look for a freelancer who’s experienced, technical, and genuinely interested in helping your business grow. Don’t settle for mediocrity. With the right hire, your rankings and traffic will soar—and so will your bottom line.

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